Product Description

Having brought the two worlds of Atlantis and Celtic Britain together in Book I, the author now focuses on Merlin. In this second book, Merlin tells his own story - and his vision - the vision of the Kingdom of Summer, ruled by the Summer Lord. It is a story of love and passion, triumph and tragedy, with itw own special and powerful 'magic'. The saving of the infant Arthur, and the setting of the sword in the stone form both the climax to this book and the entry to the story of Arthur himself.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #46475 in Books
• Published on: 1988-08-16
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 480 pages

About the Author
Stephen Lawhead is the author of some 14 outstanding fantasy and science fiction novels, including The Dragon King Trilogy (Lion), The Song of Albion Trilogy (Lion), and Byzantium (HarperCollins). Sales of his books have reached over 2 million copies worldwide. An American, he moved to Britain to research Celtic mythology. He now lives in Oxford with his wife and two sons. website: www stephenlawhead.com

Customer Reviews

Second Book in the Pendragon Cycle
Stephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His works include Byzantium and the series The Pendragon Cycle, The Celtic Crusades, and The Song of Albion. Stephen Lawhead has his home in Austria with his wife.

I admire Stephen Lawhead's writing very much. It is quite obvious to the reader that the author loves his subject matter and in his historical novels has diligently researched the material that he uses. Even with Merlin, which can only be described as a fantasy, the way the author sets the scene makes the reader almost believe that they are reading a factual rather than a fiction book.

Having brought the `children' of Atlantis to the shores of Britain in Taliesin, the author now focuses on the mystical figure of Merlin, who in all the other legends is always at the right hand of Arthur. Merlin has a vision of the Kingdom of Summer ruled by the Summer Lord.

Best of the first three books in the Pendragon Cycle
The story of Merlin as only Lawhead can tell it.

I read with amusement another reader's comment of Lawhead's 'jaded' view of early Christianity. What Lawhead seems to have been looking to capture is the type of Christians (that almost certainly did and still exist), that captured the essential goodness of spirit in literal Christian lore. We are all well aware of the excesses of the Christian Church down the ages, but what Lawhead described is the decency and hope of individual mens' faith; not the monolithic side of organised Christianity.

By the way, I'm an agnostic, so I haven't got an axe to grind either!

Stimulating, satisfying, rarely superficial: Superb sequel!
In this second volume of his "Pendragon Cycle" series, Stephen Lawhead continues the story begun in "Taliesin" by telling the tale of Merlin, a remarkable warrior, king, bard, and prophet. Lawhead recounts his rise to kingship, his subsequent fall, and finally his important role as counsellor to kings.

The story focuses on a time of great change in early Britain, as independent kingdoms under Roman rule vanish and become united under one High King. The transition from individual local kingdoms to one great kingdom under a great king remarkably parallels a similar transition in the Bible: from the anarchy and chaos of the Judges, to the unified rule under the Kings Saul and David. Merlin's role is much like that of the Biblical Samuel: the figure who ushers in this transition by his prophecies, wisdom and counsel. The parallels don't end there - for like Israel, early Britain is portrayed as a time of prophets (the druids), priests (the Roman Catholics) and kings.

The world of upheaval in which Merlin lives is characterized by trials, tragedy and triumphs. Much like "Taliesin", the reader is treated to a vast array of human emotions described in most vivid details - from utter joy to utmost sorrow - and is subsequently tossed from the pinnacles of happiness to the pits of despair. But Lawhead does not delight in dragging his readers through gory details of bloodshed and death - in fact killing for revenge alone is presented as murder (p.314-5). Bloodshed for the sake of justice and truth has a clear purpose: the way is being paved to the "Kingdom of Summer" ruled by King Arthur where justice, truth and right will be defended and maintained (p.108). One of Arthur's predecessor's (Aurelius) must bear the sword all his days as king before this is achieved (p.318). Astute Bible readers will note here an unmistakeable parallel with the era of King David and King Solomon.

Yet beneath such formalistic parallels with Scriptural narratives, lies a solid Biblical depth. The foundation of any successful kingdom is clearly recognized and acknowledged: faith in the one true God and His Son Jesus Christ (p.113-4). Once again, Lawhead's Christian perspective shines through beautifully. Unlike much Christian fiction, it is not always obvious nor oppressive - but nor is it superficial. The conflict between good and evil, the powers of light and darkness is always sharply defined, and mirrors the conflict between God and Satan. Success is presented as possible only with God's help and His blessing.

But "Merlin" also raised the questions that were evoked by "Taliesin". Why is Christianity is identified with Roman Catholicism, with its focus on holy places and objects, and materialistic view of the mass (p.112)? And does Lawhead have an overly optimistic view of Celtic religion, and does he leave room for Christians to use the occult? His assessment of the occultic and ancient rituals of the pagans does not appear harsh enough, since he appears to view it as a mild form of the truth ("In every age there is some good" p.191), and that the occultic powers can be harnessed by the Christian prophet for good - Merlin being a case in point. This is confirmed by his description of Lughnasadh, as being a time where "the veil between the Otherworld and this worlds-realm grows thin and allows the initiated a glimpse of what was, or will be." (p.397). Whether such a syncretism of paganism and Christianity is possible is highly debatable, unless of course Lawhead is intending to present Britain as a model of the pre-Christian era (the time of judges and kings?) prior to the cessation of prophecy and prior to the completion of the canon of Scripture. But as it is, leaving the door open to a favorable view of occultic activities left me distinctly uncomfortable.

But don't let this decrease your appetite for Merlin. It's a gripping and satisfying tale, one that simultaneously evokes emotions, stimulates imagination, and causes reflection. The first person point of view is utilized superbly to present Merlin as thoroughly real man with flaws and failures as well as strengths and successes. Like "Taliesin", "Merlin" showcases Lawhead's myriad of talents in a delightful mix of romance, adventure, emotion, faith and even poetry. The Christian imagery is subtle and profound, and once again Lawhead has produced a fantasy gem that is greatly superior to most contemporary Christian fiction.